PTE Core Writing · Write Email
PTE Core Write Email Template: Friendly Email
The same five paragraphs as the formal email, in a warmer voice. Most question-bank emails go to a colleague or a neighbour, so this is the one you will use most.
9 minutes · 80 to 120 words · aim for about 100
The 1-3-1 friendly email: remember it as
- Open
- Theme 1
- Theme 2
- Theme 3
- Close
When to use it: You are writing to someone you know by first name: a colleague, a neighbour, a classmate or a friend. Polite and clear, but relaxed.
The template
Each part has one job and a word budget. Fill every blank from the question in front of you: the score rewards answers to this task, not memorized sentences.
- 1
Open
12 to 18 wordsGreet them by name, add a short friendly line, and say why you are writing.
Starters
- I hope you are well. I am writing to ask whether blank.
- I hope your week is going well. I wanted to let you know about blank.
- Thanks for your message about blank. I am writing to blank.
Put in
- "Hi Priya," or "Dear Sam,": a first name, never "Dear Sir or Madam"
- One warm line, then the reason for writing
Leave out
- Stiff openings such as "I am writing to formally inform you"
- Two or three lines of small talk before the reason
Earns:Email ConventionsOrganization
- 2
Theme 1
20 to 26 wordsAnswer theme 1 from the prompt directly, then add one reason or detail.
Starters
- The thing is, blank, so blank.
- As you know, blank. This time, blank.
- I am scheduled to blank on blank, but blank.
Put in
- A first sentence that answers theme 1 on its own
- One supporting detail: a reason, a time, a place or an example
Leave out
- Mixing two themes in one paragraph
- Repeating the situation back instead of answering the theme
Earns:ContentOrganization
- 3
Theme 2
20 to 26 wordsAnswer theme 2 from the prompt directly, then add one reason or detail.
Starters
- The reason is that blank, and blank.
- I think you would really enjoy blank, because blank.
- Would you be able to blank? It would mean blank.
Put in
- A first sentence that answers theme 2 on its own
- One supporting detail: a reason, a time, a place or an example
Leave out
- Mixing two themes in one paragraph
- Repeating the situation back instead of answering the theme
Earns:ContentOrganization
- 4
Theme 3
20 to 26 wordsAnswer theme 3 from the prompt directly, then add one reason or detail.
Starters
- In return, I would be happy to blank.
- I can also blank if that helps.
- Let me know if you would like me to blank.
Put in
- A first sentence that answers theme 3 on its own
- One supporting detail: a reason, a time, a place or an example
Leave out
- Mixing two themes in one paragraph
- Repeating the situation back instead of answering the theme
Earns:ContentOrganization
- 5
Close
8 to 14 wordsEnd warmly with a next step, then a friendly sign-off and your name.
Starters
- Let me know what you think, and thanks again.
- I really appreciate it. Talk soon!
- Can't wait to see you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Put in
- A next step: "let me know", "talk soon", "see you on Friday"
- "Best wishes,", "Thanks," or "Take care," then your first name
Leave out
- "Yours faithfully": it is far too formal for a friend
- Slang, emojis or "xoxo": friendly does not mean careless
Earns:Email ConventionsOrganization
What to put in, what to leave out
The test for every idea: does the task ask for it? If not, it costs you words you need for the parts that score.
Put in
- A first-name greeting and a warm, polite tone
- One paragraph for each theme, in the prompt's order
- Specific details: days, times, places, names
- An offer or thanks, since friendly emails usually ask a favour
- Full sentences with correct grammar and spelling
Leave out
- Formal stock phrases ("I am writing to formally request")
- Slang, emojis, text-speak ("u", "gonna") and exclamation marks on every line
- Gossip and side stories the themes do not ask for
- A copy of the prompt as your opening
- Anything past 120 words
Keep or cut?
Here are ideas you might jot down for the task below. Sort each one before you see the model email.
The task
Your friend Sam is visiting your city for a weekend next month and has asked for your advice. Write an email to Sam.
In your email, include:
- Theme 1where Sam could stay
- Theme 2what Sam should see
- Theme 3how you can help during the visit
1 of 7
0 right
See it in action
The model email, with each part labelled by the piece of the template it fills.
Hi Sam,
I am so glad you are finally visiting next month! Here are a few ideas for your weekend.
I would recommend staying downtown, because most of the sights are within walking distance. The Harbour Inn is clean, friendly and fairly cheap.
You have to see the waterfront market on Saturday morning, since the food stalls are amazing. The history museum is also free on Sundays.
I can pick you up from the station on Friday evening and show you around on Saturday. I am working on Sunday, unfortunately.
Let me know your train time. I can't wait to see you!
Best wishes,Alex
Why it scores: Each theme gets its own paragraph and a specific, reasoned answer, so Content and Organization are secure. The tone is warm and natural for a friend, but the grammar, spelling and punctuation stay accurate, which is what friendly should mean on the test.
Make it stick
Two quick rounds: rebuild the email in the right order, then spot the line that scores.
Rebuild the email
Tap the part that comes first.
Write this, not that
1. Which scores higher?
2. Which scores higher?
3. Which scores higher?
4. Which scores higher?
Mistakes that cost marks
- Writing to a colleague or neighbour as if they were a bank, which reads as cold and costs Email Conventions.
- Going too casual: slang, emojis and missing capitals all cost Grammar, Spelling or Vocabulary.
- Answering only two of the three themes because the first one ran long.
- Putting everything in one paragraph.
- Forgetting to sign off with your name.
Free to try
Use this template on a real Write Email question
Open a question in the question bank. The template sits beside your answer and ticks off each part against its word budget as you type, then the AI scores you on the same traits Pearson uses.
Practise Write EmailKeep going
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How many words should a PTE Core email be?
Full Form marks need 50 to 120 words, and the task asks for at least 100. The question bank sets 80 to 120, so aim for about 100: an opening of 12 to 18 words, three theme paragraphs of 20 to 26, and a short close.
Can I use contractions like "I'm" in a friendly email?
Yes. A few contractions sound natural to a friend or colleague. Keep the rest of the language accurate: full words, capital letters and correct punctuation, since Grammar and Spelling are scored whatever the tone.
How do I know whether the email should be formal or friendly?
Look at who you are writing to. A first name, a colleague, a neighbour or a friend means friendly. A company, an organization, a manager or a landlord means formal. If you are not sure, polite and neutral is the safe middle.